LYTTON, BC, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - All Canadians should have the security of a safe and healthy home. The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations to improve the condition of housing in their communities, reduce overcrowding, and better safeguard the health and safety of residents.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Kanaka Bar First Nation on the official opening of their new 10-unit housing complex.

The new complex is designed to meet the needs of the Kanaka Bar community by providing new living spaces for elders, smaller families and singles.

With Budget 2016 targeted funding, the federal government invested $1.73 million to support this housing project. The First Nation contributed an additional $600,000 to tailor the project to fit the community's needs.

Quotes

"I congratulate Kanaka Bar First Nation for their leadership in creating new, comfortable and accessible homes that meet the specific needs of their residents. Our Government is proud to support projects like these that help build strong communities."

The Honourable Jane PhilpottMinister of Indigenous Services

"These new residences represent a real sense of pride and accomplishment for Kanaka Bar residents and membership. Collectively, we determined that housing was a priority for the community and took on this challenging project with a vision of developing self-sufficient and sustainable housing that met our needs. We now have 10 new units that will provide shelter for 15-20 people and hopefully encourage other members to return home. We look forward to the opportunity to build on this success as we anticipate a growing demand for affordable housing."

Chief Patrick MichellKanaka Bar First Nation

Quick Facts

Kanaka Bar is 95 kilometres north of Hope in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon. As of October 2017, the community had a registered population of 237 people.

The new housing includes two fiveplexes with three one-bedroom units on each upper level and two two-bedroom units on each lower level.

Budget 2016 provided $554.3 million over two years to address urgent housing needs on reserves.